Hermes franchise stores - how do they differ?

[A W]

I'll pass along your advice, but my friend is one foot out the door already...She is a collector and has an enviable H collection. There are awful details about this story I could share but don't want to give her ID away...Just wanted to warn other members about this store, having heard all the stories about Vienna.

My wife and I have the same feeling about the manhasset store, everything is a long wait including belts and basic bags. We went to the NYC ones and Short Hills and had better luck. I would definitely tell your friend to try one of the other stores.

 

[fallonista]

Hi! I'm new to PurseForum so sorry if I'm not doing this right

Saw this thread and just had to comment! I have had the worst ever experience with H franchise stores, one of them was so bad that the London Hermes store actually called the owner of the one in Courcheval to tell them they were in danger of loosing their franchise!!

I would never buy from a franchise store and also would never go into a franchise store for any H advise on any of their products as they are just not trained correctly! They even tried to tell me that my 35cm Gold Togo birkin had a production fault because it had the leather lines going down the front (it was almost like they had never seen a real one in their lives!!) Absolutely terrible!

 

[chkpfbeliever]

I started shopping in the manhasset store early last year. Spoke to an SA and asked about birkin and she said there's no waitlist and they don't take your name. Went there a different time and was helped by another SA who said I can get it but have to wait (wasn't given time frame). I've purchased probably 20-30k over almost a year and eventually got one.

I realized, however, that it is not necessarily how much you've spent. It's being consistent about going and showing interest in their product. Pace yourself and don't go crazy. My first visit this year (which was recently. My SA called me in) got me another birkin.

Tell your friend to be patient. The store is much more intimate than the Madison store. While I also get bags from Madison, I find the experience in manhasset much more pleasant and personal.

I think that is what the franchise wants people to do. First they don't get very many Bs & Ks and they want some consistency in coming in. Not as much as how much you spend.

 

[MASEML]

How do you know which stores are franchises?

 

[fallonista]

I think you just have to be aware and ask when you are in store. The Hermes website lists all their stores including the franchise ones - so it can be a but tricky

 

[Handbag1234]

the staff tell you if you ask!

 

[lovely64]

She's an H lover. But she should have spent the money at a store that keeps their word IMO. I just don't think it ever occurred to her that she would be lied to. She was basically a VIP at her previous store, so this is like a big surprise to her. I have to say, this definitely makes me wary of franchise stores...it's possible they may play by their own rules?

I think they play by their own rules. What I have noted too is ghat their knowledge of various products, colours, leathers, availability etc is not up to par and leaves a lot to desire.

Sorry about your friend! I hope they follow trough!

 

[MASEML]

Is the Wall Street location a franchise?

And franchises can't order Bs or Ks? Still new with the brand so learning

 

[tynadmd]

Is Nice france a franchise store? How was your experience there good or bad?

 

[Kkho]

Is Nice france a franchise store? How was your experience there good or bad?

Yes Nice is a franchise store, and so is Avignon. I was there October last year, stock was miserable, SAs were unfriendly. All the bags shown on display were not for sale but for display only. Good luck finding what you want.

 

[PetitVoyageur]

I think the one in Holt Renfrew is a franchise

 

[sonaale]

Are the systems of franchise and non franchise stores still not connected? Planning to go to the stores in Monaco, Nice, St. Tropez, Avignon, Aix en Provence and Paris. Wanted to make a handful of purchases and hopefully my 1st Birkin. Wondering if I should buy things as I find them....

 

[Everlong]

Are the systems of franchise and non franchise stores still not connected? Planning to go to the stores in Monaco, Nice, St. Tropez, Avignon, Aix en Provence and Paris. Wanted to make a handful of purchases and hopefully my 1st Birkin. Wondering if I should buy things as I find them....

Monaco, Nice, and Cannes are on the same system and can only see purchases between these stores, I was told.

I was in your situation once and you should buy things as you find them I wanted to save all of my purchases for one boutique so I would be offered a bag but by the time I got to my last stop, there was a slim picking thinking Paris would have tons of stock. I passed up three Kelly pochettes/cut thinking I would find a color I liked better in Paris only to end up leaving empty handed.

 

[Graw]

My friend who moved and switched to the Long Island store has spent over $50,000 at Manhasset and still no sign of B. They change the story every day. She is livid, and I keep telling her to just to goto Madison or Wall St.

Could Manhasset be another Vienna? I guess only time will tell...

50,000.00 without a B or K is a snub. She would fare better and Short hills, wall street or madison.

I started shopping in the manhasset store early last year. Spoke to an SA and asked about birkin and she said there's no waitlist and they don't take your name. Went there a different time and was helped by another SA who said I can get it but have to wait (wasn't given time frame). I've purchased probably 20-30k over almost a year and eventually got one.

I realized, however, that it is not necessarily how much you've spent. It's being consistent about going and showing interest in their product. Pace yourself and don't go crazy. My first visit this year (which was recently. My SA called me in) got me another birkin.

Tell your friend to be patient. The store is much more intimate than the Madison store. While I also get bags from Madison, I find the experience in manhasset much more pleasant and personal.

Patience is a virtue, especially with B's and K's. I've been to the this store and while I had a positive experience I did witness others having a hard time.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Manhasset is my regular store. The staff is lovely and very knowledgeable. When I started there I wasn't into leather goods and the owner convinced me to start with the bags. They do prefer their loyal customers who have been going for years, and those who have an interest in the brand as a whole. I can't imagine why your friend is having a difficult time.